Gurudwara Data Bandi Chor Sahib - गुरुद्वारा दाता बंदी छोर साहिब

Gurdwara Shri Data Bandi Chhor Sahib is located in Gwalior, the Gurdwara is associated with the imprisonment of Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in Gwalior Fort and his famous release. Guru Hargobind achieved the freedom of 52 rajas (kings) who were imprisoned in the fort for a long time. The word 'Bandi' means 'imprisonment', 'Chhor' means 'liberation'.

The death of Sri Guru Arjan Sahib at the hands of Mughal Emperor Jahangir prompted Guru Hargobind to emphasize the military dimension of the Sikh community. Guru Hargobind symbolically wore two swords, representing miri and piri (temporary power and spiritual authority). Guru Hargobind also built a fort to protect Ramdaspur (Amritsar) and built a ceremonial court, the Sri Akal Takht.

These events alarmed the Mughals who imprisoned Jahangir, Guru Hargobind in the Gwalior Fort. Jahangir, finding Hargobind innocent and harmless, ordered his release.

How Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor Sahib got its name:
According to Sikh tradition, 52 kings imprisoned in the fort for opposing the Mughal Empire were disappointed because they were losing a spiritual master. Guru Hargobind refused to be released until the other prisoners were also let out. Jahangir ordered that only those kings who could hold on to the master's chola could be released. A special chola was tailored by Guru Hargobind. As soon as Guru Hargobind left the fort, the captive kings captured Guru Hargobind and came out with him. This earned him the title of Data Bandi Chhor for the Guru. Generous liberator.

The Chola still exists and can be seen at Gurdwara Sri Chola Sahib Ghudani Kalan.

Architecture of Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor Sahib:
The present building complex spread over six acres was constructed during the 1970s and 1980s under the supervision of Bhai Jhanda Singh and Uttam Singh Mouni of Khadoor Sahib. The main building is a six-storey building near the old Gurudwara. The sanctum is on one side of the high ceiling, on the ground floor there is an almost square hall. There is a cellar below the same size as the hall and a four-storeyed room above the sanctum. Guru ka Langar with its spacious dining hall and residential rooms for staff and pilgrims is in a separate, adjoining complex. The specialty of this Gurudwara is that it has two lakes, one for women and the other for men.

When is Bandi Chhor Diwas celebrated?
Bandi Chhor Divas (Day of Liberation), which celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind, coincides with the Hindu celebration of Diwali on the same day. Instead of celebrating with fireworks on Bandi Chhor Divas, many Sikhs opt to celebrate Guru Nanak's birthday with fireworks. This year Bandi Chhor Divas will be celebrated on (Diwali) Monday 24 October 2022.

How to reach Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor Sahib:
Gwalior, this place is well connected by road transport and railways. Nearest railway station is Gwalior train junction Nearest airport is Maharajpur Air Force Base Airport.